<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

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Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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The Sydney-bound former Queensland premier Anna Bligh has listed her south Brisbane home with reported $1 million-plus hopes.
Bligh co-owns her renovated <a href="https://www.raywhitesouthbrisbane.com.au/property/STB4471003" target="_blank">1890 Highgate Hill </a>home with her husband, Greg Withers, having bought it in 1997 for $290,000.
It's been listed through Ray White South Brisbane, which is marketing the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house as oozing "charm and character of a bygone era".
It's scheduled for October 20 auction through estate agent Luke Croft.
It has a land value of $710,000. A nearby three-bedroom house on a similar 827-square-metre block fetched $900,000 last year, and a four-bedroom house fetched $825,000 in 2010.
Bligh intends to rent in Sydney's inner east before buying. The listing followed Withers taking a job at Arts NSW.
The couple also own investment units in West End and Highgate Hill, which The Courier Mail reports they have not listed for sale.
The RP Data median house price for <a href="/news">Highgate Hill </a> is $755,000, with prices having dropped 2.6% in the past year.
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Anna Bligh auctioning her Highgate Hill Queenslander residence

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The number of registered domestic builders declined for the fifth straight month in September to 14,414, the lowest number since September 2011, when there were 14,429 builders registered with the Victoria’s Building Commission.
Since May more 400 builders have not renewed their registrations.
The decline in the number of registered residential builders come on the back of  recently published ABS quarterly data showing that nearly 24,000 jobs have gone from the industry in the first six months of the year.
The total number of people employed in the industry has fallen from a peak of 197,800 in the December quarter to 173,900 in the three months to June 2012, with the building industry’s contribution to state employment having fallen from 6.9% to 6%.
The building industry has been hit with a spate of high-profile company collapses this year, including most recently Victorian-based New Dimension Homes, which entered into administration at the end of August, impacting about 50 home owners, and earlier this year the coll apes of Bina Construction, based in Caufield, and Australian Property and Construction, based in Mitcham.
Builders with a national presence that have collapsed include St Hilliers Construction, Kell &amp; Rigby and Reed Construction, with SmartCompany counting 80 building or construction firms entering administration, liquidation or being hit by winding-up notices in the month of March alone.
Victorian building industry employment ('000)
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/buildingoct16.gif">
Source: ABS
Figures released by the Building Commission in August for the 2011-12 financial year reveal that the value of building permit activity dropped 4.5% to $23.2 from $24.3 billion recorded in the previous financial year.
Permits for the construction of houses fell 9.9% to $11.8 billion, while permits for the construction of apartments jumped from 17.6% to $4 billion.
The only region to record a notable rise in building approvals was inner Melbourne, the focus of most high-rise and high-density projects, with the value of approvals increasing 8.5% to $10.8 billion.
In outer Melbourne the value of permits fell 17.9% to $7.6 billion.
Photograph courtesy of <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/index" target="_blank">Property Bloom.</a>
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Victorian registered builder numbers at 12-month low as 24,000 jobs go: Victorian Building Commission

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WA's Consumer Protection agency is seeking an injunction against a brother-and-sister team promoting a rent-to-buy property scheme that accepted wedding rings and various family collectables, including a Real Madrid football jersey signed by David Beckham, in cases where tenant/buyers could not afford the upfront fees.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll has lodged a Supreme Court writ and will allege that Patricia and Bryan Susilo of the Perth suburb of Applecross engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct in breach of Australian consumer law.
She will further allege that they breached the Real Estate and Business Agents Act by acting as unlicensed real estate agents or implying that they were licensed real estate agents.
Rent-to-buy schemes are targeted at people who don’t qualify for home loans. Buyers agree to pay rent to the seller in return for being able to purchase the property at a later date.
Driscoll says an investigation into the activities of the Susilos indicates misleading statements have been made in advertisements for several properties. Driscoll also says misleading statements have been made about the nature of Patricia Susilo's interest in the properties.


"The alleged misleading statements in advertisements relate to her ownership of the properties and to the amount of weekly payments, which don't match the payments the proposed tenant/buyer was requested to pay. There is also no indication of the upfront option fee or the final price that is payable," Driscoll alleges.
"I am particularly concerned that, in the cases where the tenant/buyers do not have sufficient resources to pay the upfront option fee, Ms Susilo has taken wedding rings and various family collectables as part of the payment for the deposit. These included a Real Madrid jersey signed by David Beckham and a Franklin Mint edition Monopoly board. In another instance, Ms Susilo brokered the sale of a tenant/buyer's vehicle to raise the required deposit funds.

"The proceeds from the transactions are deposited into a bank account of a real estate agent in the eastern states and then transferred to Ms Susilo's personal bank accounts in WA. I am concerned that the funds do not go into a WA trust account and there is no separate account where money is stored for future deposits in accordance with the ‘option to buy' agreements."
 
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The action against Patricia Mirawati Susilo and Bryan Artawijaya Susilo follows a successful June ruling against another rent-to-buy scheme instigated by Consumer Protection.

In June WA’s Supreme Court ruled that a rent-to-buy scheme operated illegally because the owners were not licensed estate agents and also misled potential clients.

The landmark ruling handed down by Master Craig Sanderson declared that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/wa-rent-to-buy-scheme-ruled-deceptive-and-illegal-with-other-schemes-facing-investigation/2012060655009">unlicensed promoters of  rent-to-buy scheme No Loan Home Pty Ltd</a>, its sole director Filip (Fil) Butkovic and employee Nikola (Nik) Butkovic, of Nedlands, had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.

"Consumer Protection would urge anyone who is considering a rent to buy property proposal to seek further legal and financial advice before committing to a rent to buy contract as there are many reasons to be concerned about the legality of some of these schemes,” says Driscoll.

"We would strongly recommend that consumers only deal with licensed real estate agents in regard to purchasing property in WA. This gives much greater protection as there are laws that are designed to uphold consumer rights and safeguard their financial interests."

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WA Consumer Protection targets rent-to-buy property scheme that took David Beckham jersey in lieu of deposit

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BIS Shrapnel has revised up its expectations for new home building in NSW due to increased demand for new homes from first-home buyers following the introduction of the $15,000 state government handout on October 1, which only applies to buyers who buy or build a new home.
BIS Shrapnel is now forecasting around 40,000 homes to be built annually by 2015, up from the current average of around 30,000 homes year.
This jump would also lift the NSW residential building industry out of recession, according to the economic research firm.
August HIA figures revealed that the number of seasonally adjusted new detached house sales fell by 7% in NSW, while nationally, new home sales are at a 15-year low, averaging around 3,000 sales per month compared with more than 8,500 per month three years ago.
Since October 1, the state grant has been lifted from $7,000 to $15,000 for new homes valued up to $650,000, while a maximum stamp duty exemption of $20,240 is also available for homes worth up to $550,000.
Building commencements last peaked in September 2010 with 32,950 homes built over the prior 12 months, but has since dropped back 6% to 29,250 over 2011-12.
BIS Shrapnel associate director Kim Hawtrey says the expectations of a lift in residential building activity is based on what “what happened last time buyers of new homes were given special treatment [in 2008]”.
Then, the government lifted the $7,000 first-home owner grant to $21,000 for new homes purchased between October 2008 and January 2010.
''Before the 2008 boost, around 10% to 15% of Australia's first-home owners bought new homes or units,'' Hawtrey told Fairfax.
This jumped to 39% of all homes purchased by first-home buyers following the tripling of the grant.
According to Hawtrey, if the proportion of first-home buyers buying new homes currently jumps from 17% to 39%, as happened in 2008, this would mean an extra 8,200 first-home buyers would buy new homes. This is based on NSW Office of State Revenue figures, which show 37,500 NSW residents took out first-home owner grants in 2011-12.
In its September 2012 residential building report BIS Shrapnel forecasts lower interest rates and a recent fall in house prices has improved affordability to levels last seen in 2001 (excepting at the height of the GFC).


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Alongside improved affordability, BIS Shrapnel expects a general strengthening of the NSW economy and improving consumer confidence.
In addition, it says a focus by the NSW government to improve planning processes and a desire to release new greenfield land packages will ease pressures on the supply side.
Prior to this expected recovery, BIS Shrapnel notes that residential building in NSW has been “persistently subdued over much of the last decade, averaging only 30,000 commencements annually since 2006”.
“Over the same period Victoria averaged 46,000 commencements, whilst even Queensland managed 34,000.
“Although residential building slumped over this period, population growth remained strong and consequently a significant stock deficiency has emerged, centred primarily in Sydney,”
This deficiency, says BIS Shrapnel, has “created significant pressure in residential property markets, driving price and rental growth and ensuring Sydney remains the least affordable capital city in Australia.
“Affordability has been a significant contributor to the lack of new dwellings built in NSW, alongside a complex planning framework and lack of suitable land releases.”
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First-home buyer $15,000 grant to spark recovery in NSW new home building: BIS Shrapnel

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Some 32 deposits have been taken in the latest Breakfast Point offering, Bellona.
The Rose Group achieved $28 million plus in sales in the apartment block which will have 62 apartments including 25 one-bedders, 28 two-bedders, four three-bedders and five penthouses.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/bellona-sales-set-to-steer-breakfast-point-towards-2016-final-settlements/2012101057081/Page-2">Bellona</a> will offer water views from its upper three levels in the Parramatta River location at Mortlake on its early 2014 completion.
The off the plan prices started at $555,000 for a one-bedroom unit with an internal size of 66 square metres.
The two-bedroom apartments start at $695,000 with an internal size of 107 square metres.
The $1,455,000 mark was the starting price for three-bedroom units, with an internal size of 167 square metres.
The penthouses start at $2.18 million, with an internal space of 202 square metres.
The most popular offering was one and two bedroom apartments with courtyards.
Breakfast Point, on the Parramatta River at Mortlake, is a 52-hectare project developed by the family-run company headed by Bob and Margaret Rose and their son Bryan.
Prior to the weekend launch Bryan had indicated the group would have been happy with a third or so being snapped up.
The joint developers with Rose Group is Cbus Property, the national construction industry superannuation fund.
On its 2016 completion some 2,265 abodes will have been built and sold.
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Almost half the Bellona, Breakfast Point apartment offerings sell off the plan

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Overcoming neighbourhood objections, filming production of the next television series of The Block has begun at Bondi.
With an expected December finish, the all-star series is tipped to go to air in early 2013.
The four couples to star in  The Block: All Stars season hark back to Adelaide's Phil and Amity (2003), then Sydney's Mark and Duncan (2010), Melbourne's Josh and Jenna (2011), and Melbourne's Dan and Dani (2012).
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/allstars.jpg">
Amity Dry, who released The Lighthouse album after the initial series, is now billed as a writer, composer, singer and mum of two.
The couples will renovate four run-down cottages at 6-12 Tasman Street, Bondi – a few kilometres from the near beachside location of  the first season at 67 Roscoe Street, Bondi Beach almost 10 years ago. Its location is a little more suburban than beachy.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/blockmap2.jpg">
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/its-back-to-bondi-for-the-block-home-renovation-realty-series-after-they-sell-south-melbourne/2012033054098">four semi-detached cottages were bought by the television production company</a> last November.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/the-blocks-return-to-bondi-scheduled-for-early-2013-as-development-application-caught-up-in-heritage-red-tape/2012062555107">Red tape</a> that didn't exist during the first series – such as filming permission – delayed the application approval. which was initially lodged in February 2012.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/blocktasman.jpg">
Permission was obtained from Waverley Council last month, with just the one design change requiring the use of Marseilles tiles for its roofing.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/bondiblock.jpg">
Nine is expected to announce a second season with new contestant couples will also air in 2013, presumably with a Melbourne location.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">Tell us what you know about the upcoming series of The Block.</a>
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Adelaide's Amity Dry returns for The Block, Bondi 2013

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The Adelaide detached housing market may be about to turn the corner but the unit market outlook is weaker with take up of new apartments remaining sluggish, according to the WBP Property Group.
The valuation and advisory firm places Adelaide houses at six o’clock on the property clock, indicating that the market has just bottomed out.
However, it says the unit market is still at five o’clock indicating that supply still exceeds demand.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/clock-generic.jpg">
<ul>
<li>At 12 o’clock the market is at its peak (demand exceeds supply)</li>
<li>At 3 o’clock the downswing has set in (an evenly supplied market)</li>
<li>By 6 o’clock it has bottomed out (an oversupplied market)</li>
<li>At 9 o’clock the market is rebounding (supply tightening)</li>
</ul>
WBP says the Adelaide residential market is showing “some signs of recovery, in particular well located stock that has realistic market expectations”.
"Property values appear to have stabilised in most parts of metropolitan Adelaide," says WBP.
However, it adds that recent announcements regarding BHP Billiton’s shelving of the Olympic Dam mining project expansion “may have a negative effect on the state economy and confidence”.
WPB says the Adelaide unit market is relatively flat “with a number of new unit apartment projects struggling to get off the ground as a result of lack of pre-sales and other funding issues”.
“Existing stock remains slow to move, with significant price reductions being experienced,” says WBP.
One of the biggest Adelaide apartment projects is the recently announced Mayfield mix-used urban regeneration project in the heart of the CBD, which will feature 427 apartments – including one-, two- and three-bedroom residences.
“Ongoing stamp duty incentives will only help projects like this succeed,” says WBP.
Under a two-year trial, stamp duty has been abolished for people who buy an apartment off the plan for under $500,000, but only in the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide.
The $240 million Mayfield project covers the 7,377-square-metre site of the former Mayfield Electrics factory bordered by Sturt, Gilbert, Norman and Myers streets and is being developed by Sturt Land, having been designed by architects Woods Bagot.
In her departing speech as presiding member Adelaide City Council Development Assessment Panel (DAP) earlier this month, Shanti Ditter said developers needed to build a variety of dwellings including those that cater for families.
"DAP has expressed its concern that if that were to continue, the city will see lots of one and two bedroom apartments which will drive a particular sector of the market or demographic and potentially leave out another sector of the demographic that might be interested in living in the city,” said Ditter in a speech reported in The Australian.
According to the latest RP Data-Rismark monthly index, Adelaide house prices are up 1.1% to $385,000 for the three months to September 30 while unit prices have risen 3.4% over the same time frame to a median value of $315,000.
Adelaide first-home buyers can access the $7,000 first-home owner grant as well as up to $8,000 under a bonus grant that will cease from July 1, 2013.
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Adelaide detached housing market has bottomed out but sluggish unit market still in a downswing: WBP

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Mintaro, the mansion at Monegeetta, near Sunbury, has had its internal photos now uploaded as it nears it November 15 auction.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/oct15mintaroout]}
The photos afford a peek inside the private 9.9-hectare estate, which has been listed for executor's sale and set to conclude 78 years of Rae family ownership.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/oct15mintaroin]}
"It's a once undeniably grand and gracious homestead, now in need of total restoration, and with outstanding future use potential," says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.keatings.com.au/view-property/?OID=4545899">listing agent John Keating</a>.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/woodend-s-mintaro-%E2%80%93-a-mini-government-house-%E2%80%93-listed-with-%243-million-hopes/2012093056889">Monegeetta property </a>set at 2137 Melbourne Lancefield Road was designed by James Gall of Frognall and Noorilim fame for Captain Robert Gardiner.
Mintaro has been variously described as being “a small replica of Melbourne’s Government House” to “that crumbling mansion on the road to Romsey,” the marketing notes.
The mansion is set within a passive English park-like grounds featuring mature oaks, cedars, monkey puzzles, pines, sequoia and cypresses.
"A setting just awaiting designer garden enhancement," says Keating.
The grazing licence for the original 12,800-acre run of Mintaro was reputedly first held by John Pascoe Fawkner in 1844, before being taken over by Robert Gardiner in 1860.
The Mintaro design was influenced by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_House" target="_blank">Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer residence on the Isle of Wight</a>.
The property<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/woodend-s-mintaro-%E2%80%93-a-mini-government-house-%E2%80%93-listed-with-%243-million-hopes/2012093056889" target="_blank"> </a>was listed with $3 million-plus hopes.
It features in the work by Miles Lewis entitled <a href="https://www.mileslewis.net/lectures/10-australian-building/10-interiors.pdf" target="_blank">Victorian Interiors</a>.
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A peek inside Mintaro at Monegeeta after 78 years of family ownership

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The REIV seeks the Victorian government to reject the current proposal to remove the educational, probity and licence requirements for commercial real estate agents.
Recent research conducted by UMR Research had shown that the public oppose the proposal, “it showed that 69% of respondents disagree with the COAG (Council of Australian Governments) proposal to remove the requirement for commercial agents to be licensed".
The public clearly understand that appropriate licensing and educational standards not only underpin the best outcome for those selling, buying or leasing property but also ensures consumer protection.
The RIS (regulation impact statement) proposes that licensing of commercial real estate agents is unnecessary because commercial and industrial property transactions are conducted by ‘sophisticated consumers and investors’, yet an analysis of transactions in Victoria shows that 51% of all commercial sales are valued at less than $500,000.
The vast majority of consumers who deal with commercial estate agents rightly expect to engage a professional with the appropriate educational qualifications.
Commercial estate agents hold significant amounts of client monies in their trust accounts subject to finalisation of a sales or leasing transaction, before being distributed to their client.
These trust accounts are audited on an annual basis in line with the requirements of the Estate Agents Act.
COAG is now proposing that there will be no requirement for trust accounts or probity checks as commercial agents will not be required to have any qualifications or be licensed – this is simply outrageous and irresponsible.
I would like COAG to explain to the public and the profession how the removal of licences will increase efficiency, improve worker mobility and assist in moving Australia to a seamless economy.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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enzoraimond-7fvRFHPR52

Removal of commercial real estate agent licence requirement outrageous and irresponsible

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Finance broker Darren Moffatt has launched a beta-version of his social networking property site Housenet.com.au
The website bills itself as Facebook and Twitter for the property industry and is aimed at linking property owners, vendors and estate agents in an online community.
Moffatt says his aim is to get 20,000 members signed onto <a href="https://www.housenet.com.au/" target="_blank">Housenet.com.au</a> by January.
He said the estate agent response has been strong, but consumers and investors are now the fastest-growing sector of the user base.
“The number of listings has exceeded expectations at this early stage,” he says.
Housenet's features include a "property people" page where estate agents, mortgage brokers, developers and anyone involved in the industry can create a profile of themselves, connect with "friends" in the industry and link through to their property listings in the "marketplace".
<a href="https://www.housenet.com.au/" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/10/housenet2.jpg"></a>
Other features include an industry directory, blogging platform, forums and industry discussions groups.
Current users include property commentator, author and investor Jane Slack-Smith, McGrath agent for Ballina and Byron Bay Daniel Parker and regular Property Observer contributor and Richardson &amp; Wrench agent Robert Simeon. 
The website, which is based on a year of development and talking with people in the property industry, allows members to control their Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn profiles from their Housenet account.
All content created on a user's Housenet profile can be distributed to their various social networking presences simultaneously.
Moffatt says this aspect of the website is revolutionary and cannot be done anywhere else.
Housenet also includes a marketplace, which provides an opportunity for Housenet.com.au members – be they consumers or estate agents – to list property for sale, rent or available as share accommodation as well as the opportunity to sell household goods.
Businesses and organisations can also create a profile on the website, and there is also an events calendar for open for inspections, open houses, industry events or social drinks.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Century 21 Australia, eChoice Home Loans and a number of Elders Real Estate branches have pages on Housenet.
Estate agents can upload statistics about their sales – prices, clearance rates, types of properties sold – which are then turned into charts on profile pages.
The site provides for the ability for others to rate and comment on listings, but also for the ability to switch off this function.
A basic subscription is free for both industry participants and consumers.
A free subscription includes the ability to join via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, list property for sale with up to four images and create a profile page for a house or rental property.
Add-on features for consumers are charged at $20 per month and include the ability to create a featured listing with more photos and video content and send emails to others Housenet members.
A full industry sign-up is $79 per month or $49 for more restricted features.
Agents can also create their own ads and purchase traditional banner advertising on the site.
The site includes property news and hotspots features provided by Property Observer, industry news from SOLD magazine, mortgage news from Australian Broker and property information and trends provided by Residex.
In an interview with Greg Vincent of real estate technology site Business2, Moffatt said the aim of the site is to empower real estate agents and other property industry professionals and consumers and bring them all together in a way that has not happened before.
“We are trying to create a new category of social real estate…and bridge the gap between property portals and social media,” says Moffatt.
For estate agents, Moffatt says it’s a way for agents to brand themselves and tell their story online.
He says on the big property portals “everybody looks the same” and it’s very hard to get your own personal brand out there.
“It creates more depth for your digital identity and expands your digital footprint, which will help drive business your way,” he says.
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